Meanwhile in Metropolis.
On the rooftop of Luther Group's towering headquarters, Lex Luthor stood poised mid‑swing, his golf ball arcing beautifully through the sky before landing neatly in the hole on a building across the street.
His assistant handed him a telescope. Lex peered through it with satisfaction, watching the perfect hole‑in‑one.
Just then, his assistant's phone buzzed. Lex's expression sharpened — his intellect told him this call carried news worth hearing.
And he was right.
After the call ended, the assistant stepped forward with a grin.
"Lex, we've gotten word from Gotham. They're asking for an audience with Wraith. But their message… it was oddly casual, almost arrogant, as if they assumed you'd agree."
Lex chuckled, his cold grin growing serious.
"Whoever grasps the direction of human evolution deserves high regard. If, after my examination, Wraith still retains the core traits of humanity, then he merits my attention more than any god."
He strode to a mirror, frowning at his reflection.
"This outfit is only good for boring rank‑and‑file officials, not for something like this. Pierce, prepare a formal suit for me, and don't forget the portable gene analyzer. That device is the real purpose of this trip."
With that, Lex marched toward the bathroom, leaving Pierce scrambling to prepare.
At Wayne Manor.
Alfred checked his watch anxiously, then surveyed the maids adjusting place settings and polishing silverware. After one glance, he stepped in to tweak a napkin's fold, muttering to himself about symmetry and propriety.
He gave a satisfied breath and moved on to another table, but in the one direction not being inspected…
Axel was lounging, eating ice cream with casual disregard.
"Buddy, do we really need all this fuss? It's just a meeting. Why all the formality?"
Alfred let out a resigned sigh, eyes stern.
"This is already rather informal, because I'm deliberately not looking at you, and you remain the least formal presence in this entire castle."
"Hey, Alfred!"
Axel grumbled, scooping up a large dollop of ice cream and playfully extending it out over the rug.
Alfred nearly choked.
Axel teased, waving the spoon mischievously.
"Incoming, little flying stick~"
Splat!
The ice cream was seconds from hitting the floor. Alfred lunged, producing a silk scarf from his pocket and catching the mess with impeccable precision. He handed the wrapped ice cream to a rushing maid with a wry smile.
"Master," Alfred began, then spoke with measured solemnity, "this castle has not received guests in sixteen years. The Luther Group may be a new power, but the Luthers themselves trace their lineage back to Renaissance nobility. Though their legacy declined before rising again in the last fifty years, our hospitality here has become a contest of nobles."
He paused, brushing dust from a chair.
"While such confrontations may not interest you, think of this as a game I am taking very seriously. If you still value me as your butler, then allow me to fulfill each duty with precision."
Alfred turned to leave the dining room, but couldn't resist one more note for Axel.
"Oh, and Master, I suggest you set aside the ice cream and have a cordial conversation with the mistress."
"What? Why? How am I supposed to know what she's upset about? Why talk to her instead of eating ice cream?"
Axel sniffed disdainfully while shoving another mouthful of ice cream in.
Alfred's face darkened further as he continued.
"Master, the mistress's mood has been… delicate these past few days. Cold food may not be the best on her stomach."
"Selina has a stomach ache? That still doesn't justify a sour face. I shouldn't have to talk to her!"
Axel sneered, then realization struck.
"Wait, are you saying she's on her period?"
Alfred blinked, stunned for the first time in centuries of service.
Axel burst into laughter, clutching his stomach with mirth. He handed the remaining ice cream to a maid with a wave.
"I get it now. I'll go see Selina. That little woman is more sensitive than a cat, and her period power is stronger than most."
Alfred raised an eyebrow.
"So the 'aunt' you refer to is… that? But why call it aunt instead?"
Axel simply shrugged.
"I don't know. I just always called it that. You do your thing, I'm off to see the little cat."
Alfred hesitated, then offered a suggestion.
"Master, perhaps we might keep some cats around for the mistress, to enliven the manor?"
Axel smiled lazily.
"That's actually a great idea. Bring more calico cats. I love calico cats."
He extended his hand. Alfred, after the briefest hesitation, gave him a reluctant high‑five.
Axel walked off toward the indoor beach, and Alfred watched him go, lost in thought.
"If only Bruce were here," Alfred murmured, eyes distant, "how wonderful that would be…"
His gaze softened as memories of young Bruce — laughter echoing across the lawn with Rachel — flickered like sunlight in his mind.
At the pool, Selina lay under UV lights in a bikini, a sunshade, and a wide‑brimmed hat. She rubbed her stomach and shot an irritated glare at Axel.
"What are you doing here? Go find your Zatanna or Diana!"
She turned her back to him.
Axel walked over and playfully patted her backside.
"Not feeling great?"
Selina snapped without looking at him.
"Did the maid tell you?"
"Well, otherwise how would I know? I didn't smell it or anything."
Selina huffed, turning fully toward Axel.
"I knew you didn't care about me. Men will never match women! Every girlfriend I ever had knew my state instantly and comforted me. But with you, my first male lover, all I get is indifference!"
"Tsk tsk," Axel said with a laugh, lying down beside her and slipping an arm around her waist.
"That's just how I am. If you don't like it, leave."
"I'm leaving right now!"
"Hold on a damn minute," Axel said, grinning, "the Luther Group is sending representatives to visit soon. They're nobility, and Alfred takes this seriously. As the mistress of this manor, you should help receive them — unless you're extremely uncomfortable. Then I'll have them reschedule."
"No need," Selina said with a smirk, turning to face him.
She leaned in and bit Axel's lips hard, then slapped his backside before rising.
"I'm not some delicate debutante from high society. I'm an alley cat. Now let's get dressed properly. We at least need matching outfits."
"No problem, whatever you say," Axel replied with a laugh.
Selina stepped off the beach chair, crossed the lawn, and headed toward the castle with Axel close behind.
At the window, Alfred watched them go, then sighed deeply.
"If Bruce had never left…" he whispered, "perhaps it would have been him and Miss Rachel walking that lawn…"